Hampton School old boy Ansari upgrades to Surrey century maker

Ex-Hampton School studentZafar Ansari conquered his demons to register a maiden first class century and inspire Surrey to a second LV= County Championship Division Two win of the season this week.

The 22-year-old had hit three half centuries – including 98 – in his previous three championship innings – but finally upgraded with 105 on Tuesday to help set up a 10 wicket win at Derbyshire.

Ansari, who made his Surrey Championship first team debut for Weybridge as a 15-year-old in 2007, has featured in more than 20 league games for the Hanger Hill club, but last appeared for skipper Joel Pope’s men in 2012 as his county career has taken off.

The century takes the Cambridge University graduate's run tally this season past 500 at an average of 69 as Ansari – who also claimed five wickets in the match including figures of 4-96 in the second innings – eyes up the 1,000 run mark this summer.

“It was slightly worrying,” he said of the moment he hit the runs that registered three figures for him.

“It was the same shot I got out to on 98 the other week.

“When I ran through for the runs it was a relief more than anything. It is something nice to tick off.

“Having got so close the other week, to get the 100 almost straight away takes the pressure off.

“I never felt totally in on that wicket. Even in the 90s you felt there was a ball that had your wicket on it.”

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